Phoenicis Lacus perspective view

Phoenicis Lacus was formed by the uplift of the Tharsis volcanic plateau. The continual episodes of strong volcanic activity in Tharsis not only lifted the plateau, but also deformed Phoenicis Lacus, creating blocks and multiple fault lines at different orientations. Extension has taken place here, resulting in this characteristic horst-and-graben (cliffs and valleys) landscape.